The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a draft determination proposing to re-authorise the TAB Agents Association of NSW (Association) to collectively bargain on behalf of its members with TAB Limited (Tabcorp) for ten years. The Association currently has 164 specialised TAB agents appointed by Tabcorp.
The authorisation allows members of the Association to collectively negotiate the terms and conditions of service with Tabcorp and it also enables the Association to participate in dispute resolution negotiations between Tabcorp and TAB agents, pursuant to the Current Agency Agreement.
The ACCC is also granting interim authorisation as the Association’s current authorisation expires on 18 July 2014. Interim authorisation commences immediately, and remains in place until the date the ACCC’s final determination comes into effect or until the ACCC decides to revoke the interim authorisation.
“Collective bargaining arrangements are likely to result in transaction cost savings for TAB agents and allow them to be better informed of relevant market information .This is likely to improve their input into contractual arrangements with Tabcorp,” ACCC Deputy Chair Dr Michael Schaper said.
The proposed authorisation does not relate to the price of wagering services provided to the public, which are regulated by government legislation.
The Association has previously been granted authorisation by the ACCC for similar arrangements.
Authorisation provides immunity from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Broadly, the ACCC may grant authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.
Further information is available on the public register.